A pro civil society organization, the Guide to Justice Action Network (GUJAN) has expressed grave concern over the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company’s (LPRC) reported decision to enter the direct importation of fuel and gas—an action the organization deems unlawful, economically destabilizing, and a violation of the rule of law.
According to GUJAN, LPRC is treading a dangerous and illegitimate path by attempting to engage directly in petroleum importation, an overreach of its statutory mandate. The organization warns that this move poses a significant threat to Liberia’s private sector and job market.
“By law, LPRC has long operated solely as a storage and logistical agency, having failed in its original refining function,” GUJAN stated. “Its role has been to support licensed private importers who invest in and sustain the country’s petroleum sector. This abrupt and opaque shift into direct importation represents not only a breach of established norms but a betrayal of public trust.”
GUJAN emphasized that LPRC’s actions endanger the survival of legitimate private petroleum businesses—many of which have operated for years, provided stable employment for hundreds of Liberians, and contributed meaningfully to the national economy.
Even more troubling, the organization highlighted credible reports linking LPRC to foreign companies allegedly involved in financial misconduct or subject to international sanctions. If verified, such associations could result in severe consequences for Liberia, including diplomatic fallout, sanctions, and damage to the country’s international reputation.
The organization also raised alarms about potential conflicts of interest within LPRC’s leadership, alleging that some executives may have personal financial interests in the petroleum shipments.
“These claims raise serious red flags,” GUJAN noted. “They point to possible corruption, abuse of office, and economic sabotage at the highest levels.”
Adding to the concerns, GUJAN referenced reports indicating that at least one major commercial bank—reportedly including Ecobank—may be financially backing the venture.
GUJAN cautioned that such involvement could entangle these institutions in an illegal and unethical scheme that undermines free market principles and national economic integrity.
“This is not simply a business dispute,” GUJAN warned. “This is a governance crisis. It represents a hostile takeover of a vital economic sector by a state-owned entity operating beyond its legal authority.”
In response to these developments, GUJAN is calling for immediate action:
A full legislative probe into LPRC’s conduct;
Independent investigations by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and other statutory oversight institutions;
A public advisory to financial institutions, warning them against involvement in any arrangements that support this potentially illegal enterprise;
Active mobilization of civil society, labor unions, and the media to raise public awareness and demand accountability.
“This is a national emergency,” GUJAN concluded. “It threatens the legal framework, jobs, and Liberia’s standing in the global economic community. We must act urgently—before irreversible harm is done.”
The Guide to Justice Action Network (GUJAN) is a civil society organization committed to advocating for the rights of Liberians, particularly in the areas of employment, good governance, and access to justice.
